Steelers in good spot, should play better
One of the great things about the NFL is that there’s no poll that decides who does and does not make the playoffs.
It’s based solely on your record. Style points don’t matter one bit.
So the Steelers don’t need to apologize for their 3-2 record heading into this bye week. Nor do they have to issue a mea culpa for the way in which they beat the Ravens, 17-10, last week.
Wins are wins.
Now, that doesn’t mean they don’t have to play better if they hope to continue winning games. But when you consider they are atop the AFC North standings with victories against the Browns and Ravens already in hand, things look pretty good.
That’s especially true when you consider this was a team that just one year ago was at 2-6 heading into its bye week and somehow rallied to finish 9-8.
Maybe, just maybe, head coach Mike Tomlin knows how to keep a young team focused and improving.
What changed at the bye a year ago? Well, the schedule eased up, for sure. And there’s some reason to believe the schedule in the second half of the season could be better this season.
According to many metrics, the Steelers have faced the most difficult slate of defenses in the NFL over the first five games this season. That won’t be the case moving forward.
They also rode out the storm without having Diontae Johnson available for the past 4½ games. He’ll be back when the Steelers return from the bye.
Take the No. 1 receiver out of any offense for a month and it will affect how the team looks.
Finally, like they did a year ago, the Steelers will use the week off to take a look at what they’ve done well – and what they haven’t – and adjust.
“We have to look at what we’ve done as a whole,” quarterback Kenny Pickett said. “If there’s some things that we’re just really not doing well and kind of beating our head on the wall, then let’s take it out and not do it. If we feel like we have guys that we could put in position to be successful, then do those. I think everything’s on the table.”
It worked a year ago. There’s no reason it can’t work again.
- The best half of football the Steelers have played this season came last Sunday against the Ravens.
If the Steelers can be that team on a more consistent basis, they’ll be fine.
- Another of the big positives coming out of the game against the Ravens was that first-round draft pick Broderick Jones looked great in his first career start at left tackle, while second-round selection Joey Porter Jr. had a big interception late in the game.
Keeanu Benton, the second second-round pick, has played well in place of Cam Heyward at defensive end. Heyward should be back in a couple of weeks as he completes his recovery from a groin injury.
The Steelers are not only getting healthy, they’ve gotten a nice infusion of talent from their draft class.
This week’s games
Ravens (minus 4½) vs. Titans: The Ravens went to London soon after being beaten by the Steelers, so they’ve had all week long to seeth about that loss. But being over there all week does make a difference. Just ask the Bills, who went over on Thursday and looked listless against the Jaguars. Take the Ravens, 26-17.
49ers (minus 5½) at Browns: The 49ers are a juggernaut. And Deshaun Watson has a bruised rotator cuff that has him questionable to play in this game. Two good defenses. One good offense. And the latter doesn’t belong to the Browns. Take the 49ers, 24-9.
Seahawks (plus 3) at Bengals: The Bengals finally looked more like themselves last week against the Cardinals. But they’re stepping up in class this week. The Seahawks sacked the Giants’ Daniel Jones 11 times a couple of weeks ago. They’ll get after Joe Burrow. Take the Seahawks to cover in a 23-21 loss.
Patriots (plus 3) at Raiders: The Patriots are in contention to be the worst team in the NFL. They’ve been outscored by 69 points in their past two games – both at home. The only reason this is a three-point spread is in deference to Bill Belichick. But even Belichick doesn’t have answers for what’s ailing the Patriots. Take the Raiders, 24-13.
Eagles (minus 7) at Jets: The Eagles haven’t played their best football yet this season. But they’re unbeaten. The Jets aren’t in the same class as Philadelphia. Oh, and they’ve never beaten the Eagles in 12 previous meetings. Take the Eagles, 27-14.
Last Week: 4-1 ATS; 3-2 straight up
Overall: 14-10-1 ATS; 16-9 straight up